Bellis represented Great Britain at the Beijing Olympics in 2008

Manx cyclist Jonny Bellis is set to make an incredible return to competitive cycling following a life-threatening crash last September.

The 21-year-old was critically injured in a motor scooter accident in Italy.

He has recovered enough to take part in the British National Road Race Championships in Lancashire on Sunday.

The three-time European track champion said: "If I manage 10k or 100k, I'll just be happy to pin a number on and enjoy the ride."

He continued: "There wasn't much chance of me surviving at the beginning, but now my health's fine and my fitness is improving.

"There's still a lot to learn to do, but I'm just going to ride the nationals to get back into the routine of racing."

Bellis, of Team Saxo Bank, will line up alongside fellow Manxman Mark Cavendish of Team HTC Columbia, who is a favourite for the Tour de France green jersey.

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